Global Scans · Economy · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: The global economy still faces serious headwinds and political uncertainty potentially balanced by the enormous promise of technological advancements in many fields. Read on to get a solid handle on the opportunities and risks you and your organization may likely face and set your sails accordingly.

• [New] If geopolitical risks increase, inflation stays elevated, and central banks remain active buyers, gold may push toward $5,000 per ounce by the end of 2026. zForex
• [New] Global markets have surged on AI optimism, but investors may be overlooking rising inflation risks linked to heavy tech investment. Economic Times
• [New] U.S. consumer price inflation would stay above the Federal Reserve's 2% target until the end of 2027 in part because of heavy corporate investment in AI. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Without a major pop, 2026 will be figuratively flaccid - high inflation, high unemployment, very slow growth - while narrowly avoiding a full-blown recession. Media War & Peace
• [New] More American companies are going bankrupt, inflation has remained high all year, and US unemployment just hit its highest point since COVID. Media War & Peace
• [New] Japan is expected to see a renaissance driven by corporate reforms and Sanaenomics (policies of PM Sanae Takaichi), while European equities may become more attractive as they catch up on the credit cycle and fiscal stimulus. Peter Fisk
• [New] Leaders who fail to anticipate the entry-level gap created by automation, or who overlook the mandatory compliance of the circular economy, risk finding their business models obsolete before the year is out. Peter Fisk
• [New] As global food demand rises and environmental pressures intensify, AI will play a central role in producing more food with fewer resources. The Data Community
• [New] Asia Pacific demonstrates the highest growth potential with more than 16% annual expansion, driven by urbanization, rising alcohol consumption awareness, and deployment in workplace compliance programs. ReAnIn
• [New] The pace of moving eastward will continue to accelerate, with Asia expected to play an important role, becoming a driving force in leading world economic growth. Ecns
• [New] Up to 30% of current hours worked in the U.S. economy could be automated by 2030, and in a recent survey, 32% of organizations said they expect AI-related workforce reductions within a year. Nucamp Bootcamp
• [New] Hyundai Motor Group will begin MobED's mass production in the first quarter of 2026. Hyundai
• [New] If Europe allows its technological lag to grow over the coming decades, it risks prolonged stagnation and continued economic decline relative to the US and China. interest.co.nz
• [New] As technology matures and policy frameworks strengthen, clean energy will become the dominant foundation of the global economy. TradingView
• [New] Supportive economic conditions should underpin global equities, which are expected to rise by about 15% by the end of 2026, with gains likely in the US, China, Japan and Europe. The Guardian
• [New] Policy divergence between growth-focused China and India versus inflation-fighting Japan and Australia will be crucial. Whalesbook
• [New] Goldman anticipates sturdy global growth of 2.8% in 2026, with the US economy forecast to outperform substantially thanks to reduced drag from tariffs, tax cuts and easier financial conditions. The Guardian
• [New] India's economy is forecast to expand 6.5% in 2026, easing from 7% in 2025. null
• [New] China's economy is projected to grow 4.4% in 2026, slowing from 5% in 2025. null
• [New] By 2030, AI could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, according to consulting firm PwC. Business Insider
• [New] While the global economy is reshaping and advanced countries are slowing down, hopes for global economic rebounding rely on emerging ones. Coface

Last updated: 06 January 2026